AQUIFERCritical Materials Regulation
 |
Protecting
the
Aquifer |
Panhandle Health District's Critical Materials Regulation requires that businesses using chemicals over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer provide secondary containment for potential spills. The purpose of this requirement is to prevent chemicals from contaminating drinking water wells on the aquifer. In addition to protecting ground water quality, this chemical management program helps save public drinking water systems in Kootenai County almost $350,000 each year by reducing state and federal monitoring requirements.
Most new and existing businesses located over the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer are required to report chemicals they store or use on site, including paint, oil and fuel, by completing a Commercial/Industrial Application form (click). There is a fee to cover the cost of reviewing this information and starting a file on the facility. If the quantity of chemicals is small and the chemicals are relatively non-toxic, secondary containment is not required.
For larger quantities, spill containment systems must be provided for all chemicals used or stored on site. Prior to the signing of building permits and the start of construction, plans must be reviewed and approved by the Panhandle Health District. There is an additional fee for these facilities to help cover the cost of plan reviews and inspections. After the required containment systems are inspected and approved, the Panhandle Health District issues the facility a Critical Materials Compliance Certificate.
Exemptions from Commercial/Industrial Application Process
The following categories of businesses are not required to submit a Commercial/Industrial Application form:
- All residential uses including apartments, senior retirement complexes, etc.
- Churches
- Food service establishments--convenience stores with fuel sales must complete a Commercial/Industrial Application
- Child-care centers
- Small additions and internal remodels of facilities which do not use or store chemicals
- Office buildings
- Swimming Pools
- Rental storage units intended for personal belongings
- Home occupations which do not use or store chemicals, defined by Kootneai County as: An occupation, profession or craft which is customarily incidental to be carried on in a dwelling place and not one in which the use of the premises as a dwelling unit is largely incidental to the occupation carried on, and which occupation is carried on by an immediate member of the family residing within the dwelling place.
Other Health District regulations
In addition to the Critical Materials Regulations, the Health District has other requirements which may apply to businesses and residences. These include regulations governing the construction and operation of septic systems, drywells, food processing or service establishments, and public swimming pools.
Idaho Regulation References
Questions? Call us at (208) 415-5220.